October Tips for the Garden 2009

            In addition to great memories, trees bring a true beauty to all landscapes. The right tree in the right place provides shade to your home, creating a cooling insulation from hot summer days and reducing energy costs. 

            Fall is the best time to plant trees. Fall's cooler temperatures and adequate rainfall ease the tree's transition into its new home and decreases transplant shock and stress. Are you looking for an excuse to plant a tree? Well look no further, as the following statistics reveal just how important trees are to us in a community setting:

"Landscaping can reduce air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent, by shading the windows and walls of a home."- American Public Power Association

"If you plant a tree today on the west side of your home, in 5 years your energy bills should be 3% less. In 15 years the savings will be nearly 12%." - Dr. E. Greg McPherson, Center of Urban Forest Research

"A mature tree can often have an appraised value of between $1,000 and $10,000." - Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers

"In one study, 83% of realtors believe that mature trees have a strong or moderate impact" on the salability of homes listed for under $150,000; on homes over $250,000, this perception increases to 98%" - Arbor National Mortgage & American Forests

"Trees properly placed around buildings can save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating." - USDA Forest Service

"Trees can be a stimulus to economic development, attracting new business and tourism. Commercial retail areas are more attractive to shoppers, apartments rent more quickly, tenants stay longer, and space in a wooded setting is more valuable to sell or rent." - The Arbor Day Foundation

"In laboratory research, visual exposure to settings with trees has produced significant recovery from stress within five minutes, as indicated by changes in blood pressure and muscle tension." - Dr. Roger S. Ulrich, Texas A&M University

"They look pretty"- Mike Smith (WUFC) and Bernie Hillermann (Co-Founder of Hillermann Nursery & Florist)

            So whatever reason you want to use.....now is a great time to plant a tree!! Start making your memories today!! Plant trees for energy conservation, home improvement, curb appeal, or better yet, to get your new memories started!! Check out the tree selection suggested by the Washington Urban Forestry Council by logging onto the washmo.org site and then clicking City of Washington link, then go to the City Departments/Parks & Recreation Menu to find the WUFC link. Their suggested plant list is on this site. Check it out!! There are many great varieties to choose from in local garden centers as well. Ask for proper planting instructions as you purchase so you can have guaranteed success. Enjoy your time under the trees!

See you next month "in the garden"

Sandi Hillermann McDonald